Rated: T. May go up later depending on the direction the story takes.
Pairing: K/S (Although nothing explicit.)
A.N.: Takes place before and during 'The Search For Spock', May be somewhat inaccurate due to my foggy memories of the movie, but this was just banging around in my head. This is my first attempt at Star Trek fiction so any feedback is appreciated. Enjoy.
A Stroll Through Memory Lane
Jim followed Spock as he walked away from the cabin and took the left path into the mountains. The day was a bit overcast but it wasn't expected to rain and the sun was managing to peek through the tree branches every few feet. Spock was studying the surrounding foliage intently, and Jim knew had he brought a tricorder with him Spock would have been busy for the next few days observing the environment and wildlife. They continued in this way for an hour in silence, Spock observing their path, Jim observing Spock.
The peace was a nice contrast to the tension of that morning, similar to the fledgling beginning of their friendship before they built a rapport between them. Even so, there had always been a certain level of comfort to even their earliest interactions and it eased Jim's nerves somewhat. No matter what else was different, this was still Spock, and for that he was thankful.
As soon as Jim thought that he couldn't help remembering his conversation with Bones back on the Enterprise before they had found Spock. The doctor knew of his feelings and had to drug him in order to sleep. Looking back on that time, Jim was surprised Starfllet had not relieved him from duty, at least temporarily, considering the state of mind he was in. Hell, even now he still wasn't up to snuff. Perhaps it was a good thing that they both had this time off to recuperate.
Jim glanced at Spock from the corner of his eye only to stumble slightly as he caught the Vulcan's eyes. It seemed that with the captain had been woolgathering, Spock had been observing his facial expressions, which unbeknownst to Jim, were open and deeply informative.
"You are troubled."
"Just remembering." Kirk answered softly, encouraged to continue by the curiosity shining in Spock's eyes. "Bone's sure gave me what for when you were… gone. "
"What for?"
"Means he lectured me on my uncaptain-like behavior. I was a mess."
"Yet you are troubled by my return."
"Not in the way you mean." Kirk responded quickly trying to reassure his friend that he was indeed glad to be with him. "I just don't know the proper way to act with you now. I mean you are still my friend, but there is a formality that wasn't there before. The Spock I know is still there, but you're like this whole new version. I just don't know how to act, I wouldn't want to offend you by touching you like I'm wont to do."
"Perhaps if you told me about my past I could get better acclimated to our current relationship." Spock suggested after a moment of thought carefully placing his palm on the bare skin of Kirk's neck.. "I do not believe that you could offend me however, even without my memories in tact."
"Why don't I tell you about the time when we all began to age unexpectedly…"
And so the afternoon went, with Jim narrating their many missions and explaining the finer points of chess.
"Perhaps we could play a game once we get back?" Spock suggested after they began heading back to the cabin later that day. "The strategy inherent in such a game sounds intriguing."
"That can be arranged. I even brought the set you made me a few years back just in case."
"I shall look forward to it."